&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp Nit = Daily
&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp Nem = Task performed with a major instinct

Most of the Sikh Dharam is under the illusion that 'Nit Nem' instructs us to perform repetitive, ritualised reading of scriptures in the morning, evening and at night. These rituals are regarded as holy and a mandatory rule for all GurSikhs.

However, despite all forms of text searches, the fact still remains that this so-called important ritual ( 'Nit Nem' ) is not mentioned anywhere in the Guru Granth Ji.

It must be pointed out here that the reading of scriptures for the purposes of achieving 'Gian' ( i.e. spiritual knowledge and instruction ) is not in question here. Infact, all reference to, learning from and applying of the Gian from the Guru Granth Ji is unquestionable.

What is in question here is the mysterious term 'Nit Nem', the 'blind beliefs' of performing 'Nit Nem' and the sacrilege of repetitive, daily ritual reading of very highly intricate and most difficult scriptures.

If we are honest for a moment, then we would openly admit that the ritual of doing 'Nit Nem' often results in scriptures being read with more emphasis on "speed reading" ( i.e. race against time constraints ) rather than "through and considerate reading" ( i.e. reading for the sake of learning and understanding ).

Under these conditions it is quite obvious that the time framed ritualised reading serves no purpose apart from the 'self satisfaction' of having "read" the ordained scripture, at the expected time of day, and not feeling guilty of abstaining from 'Nit Nem'.

The interesting fact is that Guru Granth Ji makes many references to :

'Nit' = Daily
'An Din' = Day and Night
'Din Raati' = Day and Night

But not a single reference to 'Nit Nem'.

We can only conclude that the term 'Nit Nem' is an invention of latter day Sikhs and has no significance in the context of the Guru Granth Ji.

The question then arises as to what does the Guru Granth Ji define as the most important 'daily task' ?